World Matchplay format a winner

The format for the Volvo World Matchplay Championship in Spain is an absolute winner. Four groups of four play each other once over 18 holes and the winners of each group play each other over 36 holes on Saturday in the semi-finals. The final is played on Sunday over 36 holes.

It is a simple format that requires each golfer playing at least three rounds of golf. Much better than being knocked out in the first round of the WGC Matchplay, for example. Watching players battle it out in their respective groups over the first few days adds something to the spectacle and the more matchplay on the world golf roster the better.

There is one more great thing about the current matchplay tournament – if Robert Allenby can win his group, we may just see him up against Anthony Kim again. I’d drink to that.

A little controversy when Anthony Kim advanced to the semi-finals instead of Scott Strange even though Strange actually defeated AK in their match. It seems because Kim won more total holes during the matches, that trumps a head-to-head match. I disagree with that. I think first play-off consideration in any sport should be head-to-head.